Men and Women Lead Differently—And That’s a Strength
For too long, leadership was shaped by a narrow mold—one that often favored traditionally masculine traits like assertiveness and decisiveness while undervaluing the emotional intelligence and collaboration that many women naturally bring to the table.
Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. And the best teams, organizations, and movements thrive when they embrace both male and female leadership strengths.
So, what are the differences? And why do they matter?
↳ Decision-Making Styles
‣ Studies show that men are likelier to make quick, assertive decisions, while women often take a more collaborative, consensus-driven approach.
‣ One isn’t better than the other—fast decisions can be crucial in crises, while thoughtful, inclusive decision-making may lead to higher engagement and better long-term results.
↳ Approach to Risk
‣ Men are typically more risk-tolerant, whereas women tend to be risk-aware—considering potential downsides more carefully before acting.
‣ This balance is critical in leadership. Organizations need bold moves AND strategic caution to ensure sustainability and long-term success.
↳ Communication & Emotional Intelligence
‣ Research suggests that women, on average, score higher in emotional intelligence, active listening, and empathy, which can lead to stronger workplace relationships.
‣ Men often take a more directive communication style, which can drive clarity and efficiency in high-pressure situations.
‣ The best leaders know when to listen deeply and when to provide clear direction—and the most successful teams value both.
↳ Navigating Authority & Bias
‣ Male leaders are often expected to lead, while female leaders have to prove themselves first—a reality that still exists in many industries, and the women I coach experience this daily
‣ Women are more likely to experience pushback when they exhibit traditionally “strong” leadership traits, while men are often praised for the same behaviors.
❓ How do we fix this? By redefining leadership in a way that doesn’t put men and women in boxes and instead elevates a diverse set of strengths makes organizations more successful.
The best leaders shouldn’t be defined or limited by their gender but rather by their ability to adapt, connect, and inspire.
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the progress we’ve made and recognize the work still ahead. It’s about making space for different leadership styles, challenging outdated biases, and ensuring that leadership is measured by impact and not stereotypes.
Who are the female leaders that have shaped your career? Let’s give them the recognition they deserve.
Special shout-out to these amazing women: Emma Nelson, Kari Sulenes, Sara Povey, Lin Povey, Morgan Hawley Ford, Jessica Rienerth, Shannon Forbes, Rebecca Clark, Niva Singer, Elizabeth Limbach, Carianna Schellenger, Susan Payne, Mandy Marquardt, Sarah Fader, Beth Lubov Rodgers, Erica Wilcox and so, so many more!
